Field Ethics and Sampling Checklist

A colorful infographic display a version of the field ethics checklist on this page.

LAND USE: Understand land use rules, regulations, and ownership. Obtain needed permissions/permits prior to sampling.
FIELD STRATEGY: Sample only when necessary. Consider other alternatives. How LITTLE can you take? Will talus/float or a photo suffice?
IMPACT: If possible, sample without doing irreversible damage. Minimize visual impact. Do not let sampling become vandalism. Leave no trace.
ARCHIVING: Consider the future or long-term archiving of the sample. Can the sample be repurposed later with properly recorded locality information?
INTEGRITY: Sample responsibly. Uphold the highest ethical standards of interpersonal conduct and scientific rigor. Your actions reflect on our profession, and may impact the ability to publish results.
GEOHERITAGE: Protect exemplary sites. Be respectful of indigenous cultures, and other societal values. Responsible sampling is a global issue related to geodiversity and geoconservation, and is important to all geoscientists.

For more information about ethical geologic sampling please see GSA Today Groundwork: ‘Establishing an ethic of sampling for future generations of geoscientists’ by Marjorie A. Chan and David W. Mogk, which builds on the Culture and Ethics of Geologic Sampling Town Hall the authors conducted at the GSA Connects 2022 meeting. This session welcomed the input of geoscientists from diverse backgrounds and experience, and at all career stages, from interested students to experienced professionals.

Thank you to the U.S. National Committee for Geological Sciences (USNC-GS), American Geophysical Union (AGU), American Geosciences Institute (AGI), Mineralogical Society of America (MSA), National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), Paleontological Society (PS), and International Association Promoting Geoethics (IAPG) for endorsements and contributions to this important work.

U.S. National Committee for Geological Sciences

GSA members, field trip participants, universities, colleges, and research institutions can also adopt the guidelines set forth in GSA Position Statement: Responsible Geologic Fieldwork Practices to promote responsible fieldwork practices. Additionally, all GSA members and program participants should review and comply with the following GSA policies that govern the professional activities of our members and other geoscientists who attend our field trips: Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct, Events Code of Conduct, and Field Safety Policy & Procedures.